Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda, where its forested mountains extend towards Burundi and the landscapes around Lake Kivu. Nyungwe is approximately 225 kilometres from Kigali, with the journey by road taking around five to six hours. Visitors can also fly from Kigali to Kamembe Airport, with the flight taking approximately 40 minutes. The park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and forms part of the Albertine Rift, a region known for exceptional biodiversity and endemic species. Its landscape includes montane forest, deep valleys, streams, swamps and open areas that provide habitats for a wide variety of plants and wildlife. For many visitors, chimpanzee tracking is one of Nyungwe’s main attractions. The park currently has three semi-habituated chimpanzee communities in Cyamudongo, Mayebe and Gisovu. Visitors trek through the forest with guides and trackers to locate one of the communities and observe the chimpanzees in their natural environment. Each community is visited by a maximum of eight people per day. Chimpanzee sightings are not guaranteed and depend on animal movements, weather and forest conditions.

Nyungwe is also an important destination for primate experiences. The park supports 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and Albertine Rift endemics such as L’Hoest’s and Hamlyn’s monkeys. Visitors booking with Samton Safaris, can also take part in colobus monkey tracking, including an opportunity to search for a large group of more than 400 Angolan black-and-white colobus monkeys from Uwinka. Another group can be tracked from Gisakura. The Canopy Walkway provides a different perspective of the rainforest. Starting from Uwinka Visitor Centre, the suspended walkway offers views across the ancient montane forest canopy and surrounding landscape. For visitors seeking a more adventurous experience, Nyungwe also has a 1,935-metre zipline divided into three sections, providing views from above the rainforest.

Nyungwe offers an extensive range of hiking and adventure trails. Ten hiking trails begin from Uwinka Visitor Centre and three from Gisakura Campsite. Visitors can also undertake guided hikes with community freelance guides available through the Gisakura and Uwinka reception centres. The Cyinzobe Hike is a three-day rainforest experience passing through streams, waterfalls, forest landscapes and the extensive Kamiranzovu swamp. Visiting Nyungwe forest with Samton. Safaris, allow birdwatchers explore Nyungwe massive bird species. The park currently records 322 bird species, including 30 species endemic to the Albertine Rift region. Specialist birding experiences are available with park bird guides. Night walks offer another way to experience the forest, with opportunities to look for nocturnal wildlife such as galagos, pottos, tree hyraxes and scaly-tailed squirrels. Beyond wildlife and adventure, with Samton Safaris, visitors can experience the communities surrounding Nyungwe. Community-based activities around Banda and Gisakura include traditional handicrafts, blacksmithing, pottery, traditional dances, brewing techniques and tea tours. The Cyamudongo Community Centre also offers handicrafts and coffee alongside facilities for visitors exploring the neighbouring forest.

With Samton Safaris, Nyungwe National Park can be included in a wider Rwanda itinerary alongside destinations such as Kigali, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu. This allows visitors to experience Rwanda's different landscapes, from savannah and wetlands to volcanic mountains and ancient rainforest.